I am having trouble getting this question answered. I have an 86 Cutlass it was originally a 307 car I am trying to set the ignition timing with the CCC system. I read on one post http://gbodyforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22018&p=163843&hilit=Set+timing#p163843 to unplug the distributor while its running and set the timing that way. Then I foudn a web site http://performanceolds307.tripod.com/id4.html that says to connect terminals A and B on the diagnostic connector and that will allow you to set timing. Ive tried both and got 2 different readings. Also my check engine light is on right now will that cause any problems setting the timing?
Confused about setting Timing
- Thread starter 86cutlassrules
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Get an official service manual and it will tell you how. I think a lot of people are reluctant to chime in when it comes to timing since it varies from engine to engine. My car doesn't have a computer so I don't know how yours works.
you dont have to connect terminals a and b, thats for reading diagnostic codes. i believe all you do once you find your spec is to unplug the 4 wire connector on the distributor and then set the timing. i believe that is all you have to do but ya you should read the manual
Actually, shorting those two terminals does the same thing as unplugging the connector - it keeps the computer from advancing the timing. So you can do either, but don't need to do both. For me, it's easier to unplug the connector.
I have all data at the shop which is a software package that basically gives you hundreds of shop manuals at the touch of a button, however there electronic stuff isn't always very accurate when it gets old. Like its telling me I should have a ESC spark control module on the fender but I am pretty sure that doesn't exist.
You could also check autozone.com for specs. If you go there and click on your car, then repair info, specs, then ignition(tune-up) it tells you the timing and what jumpers to jump out. If you don't unplug the distributor, of course. I usually go there to look up stuff before I question the guys and gals on here. It definitely helps sometimes.
That's cool I didn't know you can do that. I am going to have to check it out. Is there anyway to find out what maximum advance is on the distributor like say at 6k rpm it had 28 degrees of advance? So if say you had 14 degrees initial timing and 28 degrees of advance you'd have 42 degrees total advance. I know on vacuum advance distributors you'd need a sun machine to set them up, but has anyone found out how much the factory CCC distributors have?
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